African Venus

Subtitle

Blog

Starting March 1, 2016 I have been motivating myself to write more. I have been using a Novel Writing Kit that includes cards and a 30 day journal. The goal is to write everyday. I like this; it really helps you focus. Even though I get tired or frustrated because I miss the mark - I am not giving up.

I attended my first Writers Conference at the National Writers Union offices in NYC this weekend. The timely topics included how to protect your work with copyrights and how to raise you social/online profile.

Troy Johnson founder of the African American Literature Book Club also spoke. Troy is a very supportive guy and he did my book review for African Venus and even came to my book signing. Troy shared a wealth of information about finding your audience and encouraged other authors to work with each other to cross promote. He also mentioned the importance of having your own website and how Facebook continutes to be a major player in book promotion. He also pointed out when you advertise on Facebook people are making purchases via their Mobile devices.

The other standout session for me was with Literary Agent - Jan Kardys. She had lots of knowledge of what books will sell. She has worked in the industry for many years and had two handouts that help authors focus. One was - Components of a Novel worksheet - she stressed that she has to be IN LOVE with you book to pitch it to big publishers. And that each component from plot, setting, climactic scenes and format has to be worked on to perfect a book. She also gave out a Research Your Competiton worksheet that I thought was interesting.

Their were aspiring writers and established author's in the room; some of whom have been featured in The New York Times. I like meeting new authors like Morella Bynoe who is a Social Worker and saw the need to write a children' s book about self-image. I also met Ellen Schnepel, Ph.D. who is a Applied Anthropologist who specializes in Creole Studies. We had a great conversation about the Island of Guadeloupe; one of the settings in my story. I look forward to meeting her again.

One of my goals in 2016 is to finished the expanded version of African Venus. Like many writers I face the challenge of moving my book from a 10,000 word Novella to a 50,000 or 60,000 word novel. I was intimdated at 10,000 words. I know one thing I am IN LOVE with this story and as Diana Ross & The Supremes sang "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to keep me from doing this.

It was a fun night at the Schomburg Center's 90th Anniversary Party on December 4th, 2015. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the Unveiling Visions Exhibit - The Alchemy of the Black Imagination. I also am supporting this great institution with a memebership.

I am a member of the the Empire State Federation of Women's Club., Inc. This group focuses on scholarships and fundraising for Youth. Our annual Mammoth Tea was held on November 15th, 2015. We get together at a church and each club has a table with food and goodies. I was happy to be on the program and read from my book.

I celebrated my books 2nd year being published by going to the Harlem Book Fair held here in NYC on July 18, 2015. I met alot of interesting authors and had some great conversations. The time has gone by so quickly and I must admit it has really been a learning experience. The main thing that I have learned is the importance of social media. Learning about Facebook, Twitter, and blogging. I still struggle with making time to do part II of my signature novel; I know that I will get it done. It has been great fun promoting the book. Thank you to all of my supporters !!

I am going to giveaway Three copies of my book in honor of Black History Month. I excited at the response so far and invite groups from Facebook and Twitter to participate by signing my guest book - they must include the name and email address.

There a gospel song called "Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singer. It comes to mind this cold morning in New York. I have been encouraged to write this book and received confirmations from so many sources that I am moving in the right direction. My biggest challenge is making time to write a broader version of the African Venus story/brand.

If I had my way I would go someplace beautiful like Florida or Hawaii to write. I don't have that luxury. But I will - like other writers - work on my outlines, read, and write and re-write - DAILEY until I get it done.

And I will keep in mind what Maya Angelou said "All great achievements require time."

So last month I got word that I got won Second Runner Up Impact Writer in

2014 Indie Best Writer Contest.

It was an exciting time as we used the latest social media outlets like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and telephone conference calls to read our works and market our books. This contest was unprecedented as it used voting, video, and social media to help boost all of the indie authors into new heights.

It was a great experience for this sometimes reserved author. I had to be aggressive in getting votes by handing out a index card size flyer to church members, business acquaintances, friends and family.

What amazes me is the time it takes to do this. Todays new authors – especially self-published ones need a certain set of skills. Time Management and focus being the biggest. It’s not just about writing ; it much more.